What does Isaiah 16:6 mean?

The prophet Isaiah's prediction has pointed to when the leader of the Moabite refugees would ask for shelter in Judah's territory (Isaiah 16:3–4). The request has been presented as humble and sincere. This plea is even hopeful about a future king in Israel who will sit on David's throne (Isaiah 16:5). Commentators disagree on whether verses 6 and 7 are a response to that request.

If this is the response of Judah, it is both harsh and reasonable. It feels harsh to shut down a request for aid in the face of suffering. It also feels reasonable that when the God of Israel is the one who has caused that suffering in His judgment, then why would the people of Israel give shelter to those whom God Is punishing? The other option is that this verse begins a longer reflection on human pride and how far we can fall when we do not depend on the Lord. That interpretation also works as an introduction to verses 8–11.

In either case, the people of Judah are well acquainted with the pride and arrogance of Moab. They declare that empty talk is not appropriate. What did Moab have to crow about? They had become a wealthy nation. Their boasts about that abundance proved empty when it was all taken away from them. Not only were their riches stripped away by an invading army, but this mostly happened in a very few nights. Their wealth was taken from them suddenly and not over an extended period.

Proverbs 11:28 comments on such situations this way: "Whoever trusts in riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf."